From the east: The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is three miles from downtown Estes Park near the terminus of US-36 and can be reached via several roads. Rocky Mountain National Park This is a one-way dirt road with many very tight twists and hairpin turns. Youll then need to navigate to the page for Rocky Mountain National Park. The 1930s brought a building boom to the park during the Great Depression, during which time the Trail Ridge Road was constructed through the park, which remains the highest continuous stretch of highway in the United States. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. The day pass was implemented back in October of 2015. This system is used during the busy season, late May through mid-October. During the busy season (late May through mid-October) you will need a timed-entry permit during peak hours, as well as a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Three campgrounds, Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen, take reservations, as does the group-camping area at Glacier Basin. This group campground is tent-only. The Bear Lake Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and Bear Lake. It is a perfect time to explore trails on snowshoes, dance on ice skates, or hit the sledding hills. Experience an incredible 9-mile scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet. A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Displays include a topographical relief map of the park and exhibits about the Colorado River and its people. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. There is almost always space here and a free town shuttle comes by regularly to take you the short distance into town. He began to lobby Congress to establish a national park in the area surrounding Longs Peak, a mountain he had climbed over 40 times by himself. , WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free shipping for many products! Limit of 12 per party for group campsites.). On Wildland trips, Conditions at 5,000 feet are dramatically different from conditions above 8,000 feet. The campground is seasonal, opening (in 2010) on May 26 and closing on September 25. Located at 8,160 ft elevation, this campground is open year-round and has 245 sites. The timed-entry permit system could change as the national park refines the system. You just have to arrive before the permitting time begins in the morning or after the permitting time ends in the afternoon or evening. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary Road conditions in the Colorado rockies may change quickly due to blowing snow and incoming storms. The hikes below are all at a relatively high elevation where the snow will be reflecting back at you, so make sure to put sunscreen on to protect your skin. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. Eleven miles of the paved road through the heart of the park is above 11,500 feet and She has been with superintendent for seven years. Timed-entry permits are required from late May through mid-October during peak hours (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for the Bear Lake Road area), unless you have a camping permit, are part of a guided tour, or are entering via the Hiker Shuttle. You can still get dehydrated even when its cold out! If youre new to snowshoeing, this is a perfect short hike to get you started. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. Annual and Lifetime passes purchased online take 24 weeks to arrive by mail. If you choose the second option, you can visit everywhere else in the park except for the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The timed-entry permits usually go on sale on the first day of each month at 10am at www.recreation.gov. Parking lot sizes vary. $20 per night when water is on; $14 per night when water is off, Rocky Mountains (United States of America), https://wikitravel.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Rocky_Mountain_National_Park&oldid=2711354, Pages linked to a data item for a disambiguation, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Longs Peak Ranger Station road (dead ends at the Longs Peak Ranger Station and trailhead), McGraw Ranch road (dead ends at McGraw Ranch and Cow Creek trailhead), Lily Lake Visitors Center parking lot (on the right side of SR-7 heading south from Estes Park, McGregor Ranch Gem Lake entrance (parking lots near Lumpy Ridge trailhead). Everyone who was behind you will be grateful. You may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year round. WebThe main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. Handicapped accessible and family restrooms are available. With a large selection of charterbus and minibus rentals, they'll match you with the perfect vehicle for your trip. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you peak at grazing elk and snow-capped peaks. How to Make a WebQuestion: Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular park for outdoor recreation activities in Colorado. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups at any campsites. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Sundays during the summer. Here are primary park passes for Rocky Mountain National Park. - including the interagency Annual Pass, the Interagency Annual Senior Pass, the Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass, the Interagency Access Pass, the Annual Military Pass, and the 4th Grade Pass. Most of the roads in the park can only be accessed by personal car as the shuttle only covers a very small portion of the park. RMNP is one of the few national parks that offers a one-day vehicle entrance pass. The breathtaking winter wonderland of Rocky Mountain National Park in March should be high on your list. The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. If youre seeking more miles, at this juncture you have the option to continue to Emerald Lake (0.6 miles) or to Lake Haiyaya (0.9 miles). Think about your safety when recreating in Rocky Mountain National Park, Help protect Rocky - Learn About How to Leave No Trace, Take the Rocky Pledge and help protect the park and its resources, Learn more about ideas and strategies for RMNP's long-range visitor day use access planning, The Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is going to be under construction, Learn about the upcoming Moraine Park Campground and Headquarters East Utility Rehabilitation Project, 1000 US Hwy 36 Thunderstorms are constantly looming in the early to mid afternoon during the summer, but clear off quickly by evening, bringing crisp and cool weather. WebTake I-25 north to Exit 243 (Hwy 66) to Estes Park From Denver via the Peak to Peak Scenic By-way Distance: 108 mi 174 km Time: 2.53 hours Take I-70 west to Exit 244 Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? Note that snow conditions should be considered before hiking as higher elevations will be snow-covered later into the year. This recorded phone line has the most up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. This is the highest continuously paved road in North America. It is multi-story and often has space. 4 Entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park - Which is best? When you return to the lodge after a day of winter exploration, cozy up with a home-cooked meal and enjoy a good nights sleep in a luxurious bed. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. Alternatively, there is a number that you can text to pay for your parking place. WebEntry Reservation Tickets are also available: by calling the Reservation Line: 877-444-6777 Reservation International: 606-515-6777 Reservation Line (TDD) 877-833-6777 or by The A Loop is for tents only, including walk-ins, the B Loop does not allow generators allowed, and the C Loop allows generators. Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park The eastern and more developed side of the park is dominated by striking valleys and cirques that were formed through heavy glaciation and is a good starting point for first-time visitors. The greatest danger to most park visitors is due to altitude. Grand Lake Entrance. Weekend hours vary based on the season. Include your name, address, zip code and telephone number. This bus will take you from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride Transit Hub in Rocky Mountain National Park where you can connect with the park shuttle system that runs in the Bear Lake Corridor, as described above. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. WebHalf-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Mountains to Sky Tour" - RMNPhotographer. Stunning views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain can be seen from the east shore of Dream Lake. In addition, be aware of the weather. Monthly or Longer Rental (720) 780-9845 Details Visit Site Riverside Retreat Another alternative for getting to Rocky Mountain National Park is to take a new bus service offered from Boulder, Colorado. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and During the busy season (late May through mid-October) you will need a timed-entry permit during peak hours, as well as a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. You can find more information on the various park passes at: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park, All material copyright by Morning Light Photography, Inc. All rights reserved. Wildlife bull moose sighting in Rocky Mountain National Park Slopes & Flattop Mtn, Rocky Mountain National Park While it is possible to take a shuttle, Uber, or other service to Rocky Mountain National Park, it is strongly recommended that you rent a car, as public transportation in and around the national park is very limited. On that page youll see several different permit options such as campground permits, wilderness camping permits, etc. The program will be held at the American Legion Hall, 850 N. St. Vrain Ave. Sidles and Patterson will discuss the timed entry program, construction projects around the Park especially at the Fall River entrance and on the West Side for ranger housing, and other summer plans. The Moraine Park Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and the Fern Lake trailhead bus stop. Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Stations WebHow to Make a Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation Timed entry permit reservation tickets are available online at recreation.gov or by : Reservation Line: 877-444-6777 Reservation International: 606-515-6777 Reservation Line (TDD) 877-833-6777 Recreation.gov mobile app ( iOS / Android ). Several expeditions visited the area in the early to mid 19th century, including one by Joel Estes in 1859 after which he and his family established a homestead that would soon become Estes Park, the resort town that currently sits on the east side of the park. One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. Sightsee on a Bus Tour: Ifyoud rather stay warm and dry to see the sights, there is an option to book a winter bus tour with Rocky Mountain Conservancy. This road climbs over 4,000 feet (1219 m) of elevation before steeply descending the other side. The first is to park in the large parking garage behind the town visitor center. Next you will have two choices: Park Access +" (Includes Bear Lake Corridor) or Park Access" (Excludes Bear Lake Rd Corridor). 80517. If you have a large group to transport, consider chartering a vehicle. Temporary road closures may be put in place at any time for motorist safety, based on weather and road conditions. There is also a bookstore with items for purchase. The National Park does not receive any income for this permitting system. Reservations available and recommended for Loops C & D; A & B Loops will be first-come, first-served. The permits are always for the following month. Estes Park A great stopping point along the road is the Alpine Visitor Center at the Fall River Pass, which sits at almost 11,800 feet. Rocky Entrance Fee - vehicle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days, Rocky Entrance Fee - motorcycle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days, America The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass - $80.00, Annual park pass valid at all U.S. National Park and federal lands, The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. The east side of Rocky Mountain National Park at Estes Park (7,500 feet) has less snow but still has cold temperatures even at lower elevations. Park 22. When setting out on trail in temperatures at or below freezing, be prepared with plenty of extra warm layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, and hiking shoes/boots for your snowshoes. (Limit of 7 per party for individual campsites and crosscountry areas. Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. If you are visiting during the winter, we recommend renting an all-wheel-drive vehicle (not 4-wheel drive) as they are more suitable for snowy conditions. I suggest doing this in advance. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. You can only get the timed-entry permit by purchasing them online in advance. Trail Ridge Road is only open for seven miles (up to Many Parks Curve) and Old Fall River Road is completely closed to vehicular traffic. Reservations accepted and recommended. When you complete this, youll be sent a confirmation via email. Located at 8900 ft elevation with 98 sites. Click here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs. Synthetic (non-cotton) socks are essential for keeping your feet warm even if they get wet. On average, the month of March sees about 156,000 visitors more than double the number in February. There are many windy turns on this road and there are some areas where the road clings to the side of the mountain with steep drops. For a unique cycling experience, check with the park information office for specifics on the Old Fall River Road (gravel surface) and Trail Ridge Road (paved), which are open to bicycles early in the summer season, before they open to vehicles. Driving in the national park is generally easy as most roads are quite wide, well-paved, and have numerous spots where you can pull over to enjoy the view. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads. Feds sue Fort Collins water company for a Grand River Ditch Peep the cliffs in the Northern area at Many Parks Curve of the park to spot bighorn sheep. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. Make sure to look west for view of the snow-capped 12,922 ft Stones Peak. The fee goes to recreation.gov to pay for their administration of this system. WebThe fastest way to get to the park from the airport is via the E-470 toll road, up I-25, then west on highway 66, and from Lyons head up Highway 36 to Estes Park. All visitors driving in the park between mid-October and early June should be prepared for winter driving conditions. Think about your safety when recreating in Rocky Mountain National Park, Help protect Rocky - Learn About How to Leave No Trace, Take the Rocky Pledge and help protect the park and its resources, Learn more about ideas and strategies for RMNP's long-range visitor day use access planning, The Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is going to be under construction, Learn about the upcoming Moraine Park Campground and Headquarters East Utility Rehabilitation Project, 1000 US Hwy 36 $20 per night when water is on (late May-mid thru September) and $14 per night when water is off, located in a ponderosa pine forest above the meadows of Moraine Park on Bear Lake Road approximately two and a half miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. Arches Site by, Learn all about the Estes Park Hiker Shuttle, Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park. Denver International Airport is located about 20 miles (32 km) from downtown Denver and 60 miles (97 km) from Rocky Mountain National Park. Timed-entry permits are NOT required from October 11th 2022 through mid-May 2023. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. From the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, a good trail leads to Flattop Mountain and then a short 400 foot climb leads to the summit of Hallett. There is no limit on number of tents, but no more than five vehicles per site are allowed. The Continental Divide cuts almost directly through the center of the park, creating two areas with very different landscapes - a drier and heavily glaciated eastern side, and a wetter, more forested western side. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. There are no shoulders and few guardrails. It is imperative to check the current road conditions before you head out. This campground is well-situated for exploring the eastern part of the park and is very clean. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations There is a book store and snack shop as well as accessible restrooms and vault toilets. A bookstore offers items for purchase. on U.S. Route 34, five miles west of the town of Estes Park, near the Fall River Entrance to the park. Ponderosa and Lodgepole pines are the dominate conifer trees in the area, although they have been recently dying in large numbers due to an outbreak of pine beetle infestation. It is recommended that you travel in a counter clockwise direction along Bear Lake. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. A fee will be assessed commercial tour vehicles based on passenger capacity. The large meadow valleys and gentle slopes of the montane ecosystem in Rocky Mountain National Park are the most accessible and arguably the most approachable for winter hiking. Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. Rocky Mountain National Park WebYour Rocky Mountain Hideout! Youll have views of Little Horseshoe Park and the Mummy Range on your left as you travel east. Rocky Mountain National Park Drive to the next pull-over and walk back to enjoy the view. Rocky Mountain National Park WebTimed Entry Permit Reservations are required, along with a park pass or entrance fee, to enter Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023. Highway 34 connects Grand Lake and Estes Park across the Continental Divide, giving you awesome views of the western and eastern sides of the park. Entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park The trail begins to climb up to Nymph Lake with views of Longs Peak. Those who are nervous around heights may want to leave the driving to someone else for the higher portions of this road. You always need a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Credit/Debit Cards Only The recreation.gov website is run by an external contractor, not the National Park Service. Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. Just be aware that at these times the lines to get into the park can be long. There are two companies that operate out of Denver that specialize in connecting you to a vehicle that suits you and your group's needs, at competitive rates. The 13,000-foot Mummy Range rests on the northern side of Rocky Mountain National Park with two roads skirting long its southern edges: a one-way, dirt road that winds up the Fall River called the Old Fall River Road; and a section of Highway 34 famously known as the Trail Ridge Road. Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). Continue along the trail or across Nymph Lake if its frozen. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 30 feet. The park is dominated by Longs Peak, one of Colorado's 54 "Fourteeners" at 14,259 feet and dubbed the "Monarch of the Front Range". Directions & Transportation - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S The Bear Lake Road area is the busiest place in the park and so has its own permitting system which runs from 5am until 6pm. Cross country skiing:Since Trail Ridge Road is closed up to Many Parks Curve, it is a perfect place to ski and see snow-capped peaks and views from some of the highest points in the Park. The U.S. Department of the Interior filed a lawsuit against a Fort Collins water company over a ruptured culvert that damaged parts of Rocky Mountain National Park in 2017. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Due to weather and adverse conditions, roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may close at any time. , Best-kept secret (#4 on map) To feel like you are really You must have a backcountry/wilderness permit to camp overnight in the park's backcountry/wilderness. Below are our recommendations for things to do in March: Sledding: Hidden Valley, near Estes Park is a popular sledding spot. October 25, 2022 | Fall River Entrance Construction will begin the week of October 31, 2022 for a new and improved entrance station at the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Fees are good for the same group for seven days. Offers daily ranger walks and illustrated programs on Saturday night. The last bus of the day leaves Bear Lake and Fern Lake trailheads at 7:30 p.m. Valid for date of purchase. WebThe majority of visitors use the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. Keep in mind there is no machinery allowedonly hand augers are permitted to cut the ice. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to For all reservations: During the busy summer months, if you have a permit reservation, you must pick up the permit by 10 AM on the first day of your planned backcountry/wilderness stay, otherwise, the permit will be cancelled in its entirety, and given to other backpackers. The state of Colorado has a fantastic resource to check the currentavalanche conditions. The medium sites (#2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 & 12) fit 16-25 people and a maximum of four vehicles. It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. Visitor Information | Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented as conditions require. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Slopes & Flattop Mtn, Rocky Mountain National Park This page was last edited on 9 March 2022, at 07:45. It begins and ends at the Park & Ride Transit Hub, approximately five miles (8 km) south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the park. Wildflowers seem to be everywhere throughout the park, including the popular Indian Paintbrush and Columbine, Colorado's state flower. and the America the Beautiful The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series - including the interagency Annual Pass, the Interagency Annual Senior Pass, the Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass, the Interagency Access Pass, the Annual Military Pass, and the 4th Grade Pass. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. This climb is certainly worth it to reach the stunning views of the quiet, frozen Gem Lake. Reservations accepted and recommended. Marmots seem to be ubiquitous above the tree line, especially on well-hiked trails around Longs Peak. Large vehicles or trailers should avoid this road. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To address these problems, the National Park Service created a timed-entry permit system that limits the number of people who can enter the park each day and spreads out the time of visitor arrivals to limit congestion. Covers one motorcycle. Text is available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/Copyleft Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0] images are available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/How_to_re-use_Wikitravel_guides various licenses], see each image for details. The projects completed in 2013 include the following: 1000 US Hwy 36 These are the interagency passes which are part of the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.